The last four weeks have been a dream for Aitor Karanka’s side, with the club drawing to within a point of joint leaders Bournemouth and Derby.

After starting January five points adrift of the Cherries, Boro picked up 10 points from a possible 12.

The draw with Reading was the only match in which they didn’t score or collect maximum points, with consecutive league wins over Huddersfield, Cardiff and Brentford catching the eye.

Add FA Cup victories at Barnsley and Premier League champions Manchester City to the mix, and it’s no surprise that Karanka and Tomlin have been nominated for the Manager and Player of the Month gongs.